It is a well-known fact that making a movie requires a lot of work, from drafting the script to hiring a production crew to, most importantly, casting the appropriate actors. Which of the famous actors could play in cult films, but did not - read in our article.

Will Smith In The Matrix

Will Smith was in high demand when The Matrix originally began filming. From Men in Black to Independence Day, he enjoyed a streak of hit movies that showed the world he was more than simply a sitcom star.

One of the reasons Smith was initially given the character of Neo in The Matrix is because of this. However, Smith chose to work on Wild Wild West, which is how Keanu won the part. Smith is not sorry.

@Will Smith as Neo in The Matrix [DeepFake]/Shamook/ YouTube.com

Will Smith In Django Unchained

When Quentin Tarantino was first planning Django Unchained, he had a number of performers in mind, but many of them were unable to commit to the film.

Will Smith seems to have merely declined the chance to play the lead in the movie because he thought the plot was too violent. Tarantino then presented the proposition to Jamie Foxx, who accepted it after Smith turned it down. When the movie earned favorable reviews from reviewers, Smith expressed sorrow for passing it up.

@Will Smith if he starred in Django Unchained [DeepFake]/ Reds Only/YouTube.com

Sarah Michelle Gellar In Clueless

A teenage Sarah Michelle Geller was given the part of Amber very early on in the Clueless production. Geller was only a soap star at the time, so the movie would have been a significant career milestone for her.

She regrettably declined the job since her All My Children filming schedule didn't give her enough time to complete the movie. Even rumors that she had been offered Alicia Silverstone's role have surfaced, but they have not been confirmed.

@trentm32/Reddit.com

Jack Nicholson In The Godfather

Regarding several of the Star Wars key actors, there is a Hollywood rumor that has been going around for more than 40 years.

According to sources, George Lucas had originally envisioned Christopher Walken as Han Solo, the space scoundrel in his cosmic series. Of course, this report might not be genuine given that Walken is renowned for saying he has never declined a role in his career. Harrison is the only Solo we can envision in either case.

@Jack Nicholson in THE GODFATHER? | Who It Could Have Been/Hilarity by Default/YouTube.com

Harrison Ford in Schindler’s List

Like many other actors in his league, Harrison Ford isn't known for being overly fussy about the movies he takes on. However, he is well known for having turned down the part of Oskar Schindler in the Steven Spielberg film Schindler's List.

Ford had a legitimate cause for declining the role. He was concerned that if he played the part, viewers would only be able to see him as a celebrity, and he thought the movie was more significant than his notoriety.

@SCHINDLER'S LIST BEST SCENE ［1080P］- CAST - HARRISON FORD AS OSKAR SCHINDLER - DEEPFAKE BY MIKEFLIX/MikeFlix Entertaining Videos/YouTube.com

Michelle Pfeiffer In Silence Of The Lambs

It's likely that Jodie Foster comes to mind when you think of the film Silence of the Lambs. She nearly didn't appear in the movie, though. Jonathan Demme, the director of the movie, first tried to cast Michelle Pfeiffer in the part, but she declined due to her concerns about the storyline.

After Michelle Pfeffier, Dumme offered Meg Ryan the part, but she turned it down as well. Jodi Foster had no such worries, which was fortunate because her performance earned her an Oscar.

@Michelle Pfeiffer as Clarice Starling (Alternate Movie Casting)/ Introverse/YouTube.com

Tom Selleck In Indiana Jones

It may be difficult to realize that Harrison Ford was almost not cast in the role of the dashing archaeologist Indiana Jones. Tom Selleck declined the offer to play Indiana Jones before Steven Spielberg called Ford, choosing instead to focus on Magnum P.I.

Despite the fact that they are both action icons, we're not sure if Selleck's well-known mustache would have looked good on Indy. Ford's films were so well-liked that he even returned for several sequels.

@Tom Selleck is Indiana Jones [Deep Fake]/ Shamook/YouTube.com

Michael Madsen – Vincent Vega

The role of Vincent Vega in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 blockbuster Pulp Fiction was first offered to Michael Madsen. John Travolta stepped in and ended up taking the position because he was already in the middle of filming Lawrence Kasdan's 1994 Western, Wyatt Earp.

The best screenplay award for Pulp Fiction was later given both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. As a result of his unique performance in the movie, John Travolta received nominations for both the Oscar and the Golden Globe.

@jackson_long/Reddit.com

Sean Connery In Lord Of The Rings

It's unbelievable to imagine that Ian McKellen wasn't Peter Jackson's first choice for the part of Gandalf the Grey because he matches the part so well. Initially, the mysterious wizard in the movie version of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy universe was to be portrayed by Sean Connery. 

The reason Connery declined was because he "didn't understand the script." Connery added, "I read the book," to his explanation. I went over the script. I watched the film. I'm still perplexed by it.

@THE LORD OF THE RINGS - Sean Connery as Gandalf [DeepFake]/ FaceToFake/YouTube.com

Stuart Townsend in Lord Of The Rings

The Lord of the Rings ensemble was anchored by a select group of performers, including Viggo Mortensen. Although the weathered heartthrob seemed to suit the part of the brave Aragorn like a glove, he wasn't the first actor chosen for the role.

Aragorn was supposed to be played by the Irish actor Stuart Townsend before Peter Jackson cast Viggo. Jackson was displeased with Townsend's work and determined he was too young before he even started production.

@Why the Lord of the Rings Fired Aragorn/Legend Loop/YouTube.com

Lindsay Lohan In The Hangover 

Late in her adolescent years, Lindsay Lohan enjoyed a good run in a number of films. She soon started to experience personal difficulties, as many child actors do when they reach adulthood.

She has been presented with numerous opportunities to make a comeback, including the part of Jade in the 2009 comedy The Hangover. The role ultimately went to the stunning Heather Graham after Lohan declined. Hopefully Lindsay will still be able to rejoin the contest.

@chingyangkao/Reddit.com

Whitney Houston In The Cosby Show

Whitney Houston was the performer that the creative team really wanted for The Cosby Show when it initially began production in the 1980s. However, just before signing, she gave director Jay Sandrich a call to change her mind. Houston simply had a gut feeling that she would become a music sensation and didn't want her acting career to interfere with her singing career. Houston's instinct was right, and Sabrina LeBeauf assumed the role of Sandra, the eldest daughter.

@Why Whitney Houston Turned Down The Role Of Denise Huxtable On ‘The Cosby Show’/Lailah Lynn Media/YouTube.com

Christopher Walken In Star Wars

Regarding several of the Star Wars key actors, there is a Hollywood rumor that has been going around for more than 40 years.

According to sources, George Lucas had originally envisioned Christopher Walken as Han Solo, the space scoundrel in his cosmic series. Of course, this report might not be genuine given that Walken is renowned for saying he has never declined a role in his career. Harrison is the only Solo we can envision in either case.

@Christopher Walken in Star Wars!?!?/ Cory/YouTube.com

Katie Holmes in Orange Is The New Black

Piper Chapman, the protagonist of Orange is the New Black's first season, was one of the roles Katie Holmes considered when she was planning her return to the entertainment industry.

Holmes decided she'd pass because, at the time, Netflix hadn't yet proven itself as a leader in TV shows. As a result, taking on the job probably looked like more of a risk. Holmes likely regrets rejecting the offer, even though it's difficult to imagine anyone other than Taylor Schilling as Piper.

@MonicaBellucciLover/Reddit.com

Chevy Chase In American Beauty

Chevy Chase was able to avoid starring in a lot of acclaimed movies in the 1990s. Chase had his pick of excellent roles, ranging from Forrest Gump to American Beauty. The only decision he had to make was to decline them all.

Chase's portrayal of Kevin Spacey's role in American Beauty or Forrest Gump would both be difficult to envision at this moment. He likely regrets passing up so many successes in favor of dud movies.

@Chevy Chase in AMERICAN BEAUTY? Who It Could Have Been – Clips/Hilarity by Default/YouTube.com

Leonardo DiCaprio in American Psycho

No matter what he accomplished, Leonardo DiCaprio was destined to find it challenging to top his accomplishment in Titanic. DiCaprio was enthusiastic about the film when the chance to play Patrick Bateman in American Psycho presented itself, but his manager advised him against it.

Leo reportedly changed his mind after accepting the part because he was sure his core audience wouldn't want to see him play that kind of role.

@MovieDetails/Reddit.com

John Travolta In Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks, who won his second consecutive Oscar for playing Forrest in the 1994 film Forrest Gump, is one of the most noteworthy examples of this. He wasn't the first candidate for the position, though.

John Travolta was the first to receive the offer, but he declined. Can you envision how different Gump would be if the actor from Saturday Night Fever portrayed him? Travolta is undoubtedly much more than a talented dancer. He appeared in Pulp Fiction, another classic from the same year.

@John Travolta is Forrest Gump [DeepFake]/ Shamook/YouTube.com

Matt Damon in Star Trek

Chris Pine had a lot of responsibility when he decided to play Captain Kirk in the newest Star Trek film. Fortunately for him, the part served as a launching pad to celebrity, and Pine is now in high demand. 

Pine wasn't, according to some rumors, J.J. Abrams' first choice for the role. There have been rumors about Matt Damon being considered for the part for years. But according to Damon, Abrams had been quite clear that he wanted a younger person to play Captain Kirk.

@Matt Damon Talks Air and His Daughter Refusing to Watch His Movies/Late Night with Seth Meyers/YouTube.com

Julia Roberts In The Proposal

Although Julia Roberts made her name in more substantial parts, she was ready for a comeback in romantic comedies in the early years of the new century.

When Sandra Bullock accepted the lead part in The Proposal, she had a lengthy history of successful rom-coms, but producers had originally preferred Julia Roberts. The Pretty Women actress was hesitant to participate in such a lighter movie, but Bullock didn't have that problem because The Blind Side, which came out the same year, earned her an Oscar.

Al Pacino In Pretty Woman

Unexpectedly, Richard Gere wasn't supposed to be the leading male in Garry Marshall's Pretty Women. Gere rose to fame as one of America's favorite leading men after the 1990 release of the movie.

The kind of heartthrob reputation that Gere had following the movie's premiere was undoubtedly unattainable by Pacino, who may have had some street cred as an actor. In addition, it's difficult to picture him and Julia Roberts having that type of connection on screen.

Warren Beatty In Kill Bill

Warren Beatty was the only actor Quentin Tarantino knew he wanted for the title character while he started creating Kill Bill. Tarantino's plans were derailed when Beatty declined the role because he had started to be picky about the roles he accepted around that time.

Beatty went on to appear in Love Affair alongside Annette Bening, but Tarantino chose David Carradine for the part. Given Kill Bill's widespread appeal, we believe Beatty erred in judgment.

Mark Wahlberg In Brokeback Mountain

The Brokeback Mountain creative team had two very different guys in the major roles before Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal joined the pantheon of star-crossed lovers.

The gay relationship depicted in the movie "creeped out" Mark Wahlberg, who was one of the first actors contacted to be in it. Before accepting any role, it appears that the devout Wahlberg consults his priest, who counseled him to decline.

@Mark Wahlberg Reveals the Truth About His Infamous Daily Routine (Extended) | Good Morning Britain/Good Morning Britain/YouTube.com

Reese Witherspoon in Scream

When her cinematic career was just getting started, Reese Witherspoon was faced with a difficult decision. The 1996 horror television series Scream offered the actress the part of Sydney Prescott.

Witherspoon thought that horror wasn't the genre she wanted to concentrate on, despite the fact that her career might have utilized the boost. She would have to wait a few more years before playing Elle Woods in Legally Blonde made her America's sweetheart, but for the Oscar winner, it appears like the wait was worthwhile.

@Reese Witherspoon FURIOUS She Didn't Accept This Role../ Screen Focus/YouTube.com

Drew Barrymore In Showgirls

During her turbulent adolescent years, Drew Barrymore desperately needed a comeback movie, but when the Showgirls producers contacted her to portray Naomi Malone, she was more than pleased to give the role to Elizabeth Berkley. 

The movie made a respectable amount of money, but critics mocked it and its star. Despite having a cult following, the film is regarded as one of the worst in cinematic history. Drew appears to have actually escaped harm there.

@Dr. Sterling Reveals Potential Benefits of Preserving Umbilical Cord Blood | Drew Barrymore Show/The Drew Barrymore Show/YouTube.com

Leonardo DiCaprio In Boogie Nights

In the middle to late 1990s, Leonardo DiCaprio was a rising star, but his performance in Titanic really solidified his spot in Hollywood. However, he had to use the offer he had received for the movie Boogie Nights in order to play Jack Dawson. 

Leo was more cautious because the film's director, Paul Anderson, wasn't as well-known as he is now. In any case, Leo was happy to see Mark Wahlberg take on the role of Dirk Diggler.

@Leonardo DiCaprio winning Best Actor | 88th Oscars (2016)/Oscars/YouTube.com

Jodie Foster In Adventures In Babysitting

Adventures in Babysitting, one of the most well-liked comedies of the 1980s, was about a babysitter played by Elizabeth Shue who got into some awkward situations while carrying her charges. Shue was flawless in his portrayal of Chris Parker, but a completely other actor almost took the part. 

The job was being discussed with Valerie Bertinelli, Michelle Pfeffier, and Jodie Foster. Bertinelli really wanted the part, but during her screen test, she came out as being too angry.

@Jodie Foster on Acting Career, Growing Up in Hollywood & Going to College/Jimmy Kimmel Live/YouTube.com

Ray Liotta In The Sopranos

The role played by James Gandolfini on the popular HBO program The Sopranos has come to represent the actor. Even if his performance was flawless, Gandolfini almost didn't get the role of Tony. Ray Liotta was initially asked to play the part, but he declined.

Given the numerous accolades the program and Gandolfini himself received—three Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and even three Screen Actors Guild Awards—he ought to have reconsidered his choice.

@Ray Liotta Has Never Fully Watched The Sopranos/Late Night with Seth Meyers/YouTube.com

Denzel Washington In Michael Clayton 

Tony Gilroy, the rookie director of the thriller Michael Clayton, had only one actor in mind for the lead role when the film was being developed.

Contrary to popular opinion, he wanted Denzel Washington to portray the role, but Washington declined because he felt the director had sufficient expertise. Washington expressed open sorrow for first rejecting Tony Gilroy when George Clooney made a sensation with his performance in the well-received film.

@Denzel Washington Reveals the Aftermath of Will Smith’s Slap at the Oscars to T.D. Jakes/T.D. Jakes/YouTube.com

Anne Hathaway In Silver Linings Playbook 

Anne Hathaway realized she was truly living the dream when she had several projects going at once. The drawback of that is that if their filming schedules conflict, you may not always be able to complete every film. When Hathaway was offered the part of Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook, the exact same thing happened.

Jennifer Lawrence was given the chance since Hathaway made the decision to concentrate on her other projects. When Jen won the Oscar, Anne must have been disappointed.

@Anne Hathaway gets offended during interview/Chris Van Vliet/YouTube.com

Brad Bird In Star Wars Episode VII

One of the most anticipated movie announcements in recent memory was the news that Disney will be bringing back the Star Wars movies with Episode VII: The Force Awakens.

Brad Bird, a major fan of the series, was supposed to play a role in the movie at first. Even though he adored the movie series, he ultimately felt it would be wiser to work with George Clooney in Tomorrowland. 

@Director Brad Bird Talks 'The Incredibles 2' & 'Star Wars Episode VII'/Fandom Entertainment/YouTube.com

Cher In The Addams Family

It is obvious why anyone would have wanted to portray Cher as Morticia Addams just looking at the image below. Cher was a no-brainer with her flawless skin and beautiful, dark hair. But she didn't want to be in the movie, and we can't really see her performing it well. 

Morticia would finally be played by Anjelica Huston, who performed a fantastic job. Cher, on the other hand, agreed to join Christina Ricci and Winona Ryder in the movie Mermaids.

@Cher - Dov'e L'Amore/Z.Edit11/YouTube.com

Katie Holmes In Buffy The Vampire Slayer

In the 1990s, there was fierce rivalry for the roles in teen-focused TV shows. Before she was finally chosen to play Buffy Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sarah Michelle Geller had a number of other roles she might have had, including the lead in Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Surprisingly though, Geller wasn't Buffy's first choice! The position had been targeted by the producers for Katie Holmes, but she insisted on finishing high school first.

@Katie Holmes at Cannes/Variety/YouTube.com

Melanie Griffith In Thelma And Louise

Geena Davis's breakout performance in Thelma & Louise and Susan Sarandon's comeback were both nominated for Academy Awards. But Melanie Griffith was the first to receive the part before Davis did. 

Given the film's ongoing appeal, Griffith appears to have made a serious error by passing it up. However, she passed away as a result of personal difficulties, including a breakup with her then-partner, Antonio Banderas.

Henry Winkler In Grease

The first two that come to mind when considering celebrities from the 1970s who are renowned for portraying greasers are probably John Travolta as Danny Zuko and Henry Winkler as The Fonz.

Given how effectively Winkler performed in the part, it's no accident that he was first cast as the sympathetic bad guy in the Grease movie. We're unsure of how much Winkler was able to handle the film's musical requirements.

@The Fonz in Flatbush/Chief Scheider/YouTube.com

Emily Blunt In Iron Man 2

A talented actress with a wide range of roles, Emily Blunt has excelled in comedies, dramas, and even musicals. She isn't well recognized for being an action movie star, though.

Blunt was about to make that change until she decided against participating in Iron Man 2. Scarlett Johansson was substituted for Emily Blunt by the film's production team. Johansson went on to become a Marvel superhero, whereas Blunt opted to appear in the Jack Black movie Gulliver.

@Emily Blunt Takes a Lie Detector Test | Vanity Fair/Vanity Fair/YouTube.com

Mel Gibson In Gladiator

Mel Gibson has been in a number of action movies as various characters. He was actually the producers' initial option for the role of Maximus when it came time to film Gladiator.

When presented with the opportunity, Gibson turned it down because he felt "a little bit too old" at that point to play the lead in an action movie. Russell Crowe, who ultimately won an Academy Award for his performance in Gladiator, portrayed Maximus instead.

@Mel Gibson REVEALS His Biggest Life Lessons (Exclusive)/extratv/YouTube.com

Angela Bassett In Monster’s Ball

The Monster's Ball movie's producers sought Angela Bassett before they cast Halle Berry as the lead. Bassett's response to her lack of interest in playing a role in the oldest profession was fairly colorful.

Berry became the first black actress to win the Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role, so it was a bad decision. Berry persisted despite Bassett's concerns that she may depict black women negatively.

@Angela Bassett Discusses the Impact of "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" | The View/The View/YouTube.com

Molly Ringwald In Pretty Woman

When Pretty Women was being made, Molly Ringwald was still one of Hollywood's biggest cinematic actresses. Ringwald was desired on board to play the lead role by the creative team. She declined them, nevertheless, being underwhelmed by the occupation of the main character. 

Following her critically lauded performance in Steel Magnolias, Julia Roberts had no reservations about playing the part. There were no resentments because Ringwald herself thought Julia was the greatest actress for the part.

@Molly Ringwald's Transformation Is Seriously Stunning/The List/YouTube.com

Gwyneth Paltrow in Titanic

Gwyneth Paltrow did not play in Titanic due to creative and scheduling reasons. The role of Rose DeWitt Bukater went to Kate Winslet, who delivered a memorable performance alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in the iconic film directed by James Cameron.

Julia Roberts in The Blind Side

Julia Roberts was considered for the lead role in The Blind Side but Sandra Bullock ultimately took on the role. She portrayed Leigh Anne Tuohy, a real-life woman who played a crucial role in the life of Michael Oher, a homeless and underprivileged teenager who later becomes an NFL player.

Matt Damon in Avatar

James Cameron, the director of Avatar, initially had Matt Damon in mind for the lead role, but Damon's prior commitments and schedule clashes prevented his involvement in the film. The part ultimately went to Sam Worthington, who played the character of Jake Sully in the blockbuster movie.

@Matt Damon regrets turning down Avatar and over $250 million payday/news.com.au/YouTube.com

Johnny Depp in Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Johnny Depp was not cast in Ferris Bueller's Day Off due to reasons related to the casting decisions made during the production of the film. The lead role of Ferris Bueller went to Matthew Broderick, who delivered a memorable performance in the iconic 1986 teen comedy directed by John Hughes. While Depp auditioned for various roles early in his career, the casting choices ultimately led to Broderick securing the role and becoming synonymous with the character.

@Johnny Depp as Ferris Bueller? | Who It Could Have Been/Hilarity by Default/YouTube.com

Hugh Jackman in Casino Royale

Hugh Jackman did not play in Casino Royale because he turned down the role of James Bond. The part of James Bond eventually went to Daniel Craig. Jackman cited various reasons for declining the role, including his commitment to other projects and a desire to explore different acting opportunities.

@MarvelsGrantMan136/Reddit.com

Charlie Hunnam in Fifty Shades of Grey

Charlie Hunnam dropped out of Fifty Shades of Grey due to the demanding nature of the role. In a statement, he mentioned that the fast-track production schedule of the film conflicted with his commitments to the TV series Sons of Anarchy. The decision was made to avoid any compromise in the quality of his work on either project. Ultimately, Jamie Dornan was chosen as his replacement for the role of Christian Grey in the film.

@yummymarshmallow/Reddit.com

Tom Cruise in Iron Man

Tom Cruise was considered for the role of Tony Stark (Iron Man) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, negotiations between Cruise and the film's producers did not lead to an agreement. The exact reasons for the casting not working out aren't always disclosed, but factors such as creative differences, salary negotiations, or scheduling conflicts are common in such situations. As a result, Robert Downey Jr. was cast as Tony Stark/Iron Man.

@Cosmic_Nerds_/Reddit.com

Molly Ringwald in Ghost

Molly Ringwald was indeed considered for the role of Molly Jensen in the movie Ghost but turned it down. Demi Moore eventually took on the role. We suspect that after the success of the film, Molly might have been upset that she turned down a good offer.

@georgiaseoul/Reddit.com

Michael Jackson in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

There are popular rumors that Michael Jackson expressed interest in playing the lead role in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and that director Steven Spielberg considered the idea. Finally, the film was a massive success with Henry Thomas in the lead role as Elliott.

@Michael Jackson - ET (The Storybook) [Full Album] /Reddit.com

Paul Bettany in The Dark Knight

Media wrote that Paul Bettany was considered for the role of the Joker in The Dark Knight (2008) but the role eventually went to Heath Ledger. Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight received widespread acclaim and posthumously earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

@BFHARTSANDSTUFF /Reddit.com

Eric Stoltz in Back to the Future

The role of Marty McFly in Back to the Future (1985) was first assigned to Eric Stoltz. However, after several weeks of filming, the filmmakers, including director Robert Zemeckis and producer Steven Spielberg, decided that Stoltz wasn't bringing the comedic energy they were looking for to the character. Michael J. Fox was brought in, and they re-shot the scenes with him as Marty McFly.

@TheChainLink2/Reddit.com

Jake Gyllenhaal in Batman Begins

Jake Gyllenhaal was rumored to be in consideration for the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins (2005) after Christian Bale initially expressed some hesitation about reprising the role for future films. However, Bale ultimately decided to continue as Batman, and the role was not recast.